sanitizer

A lot of people use iodophor, which is cheap but requires rinsing. I use Star San, which doesn't need rinsing. The one drawback over iodophor is that it's a bit more expensive--but I figure that I make it up in the time.

Either one of these options would probably be better than bleach.

Dave

I will never go back to idophor after using san star, just no way. Its so much easier and a safer product to use (my opinion). I also really like PBW for cleaning.

I use Iodophor and it does not require rinsing at 12.5 ppm which is one capful for every 2.5 gallons. It is food grade and perfectly safe.

Deacon

|A lot of people use iodophor, which is cheap but requires rinsing. I | use Star San, which doesn't need rinsing. The one drawback over | iodophor is that it's a bit more expensive--but I figure that I make it | up in the time. | | Either one of these options would probably be better than bleach. | | Dave |

I didn't notice if anyone has corrected you yet but Iodophor requires NO rinsing. If you rinse then you defeat the purpose in using it.

So Iodophor is the better choice, no rinsing and cheaper. I switched from bleach to Iodophore 5 years ago, again let me iterate I do not rinse. I do allow the bottles or carboys to stand for 20 minutes before filling or using.

Frank ATF Homebrewer Eastern NC

I have used both, sanstar is still easier, by far, to use.

I am curious Joe, how is it any easier? Both have to be disolved in water. Then it is simply a matter of rinsing in the solution? In Iodophor it requires a minimum of 18 seconds at room temperature. I can not speak for the sanstar (One-Step type cleaners / sanitizers). Just curious. But not enough to go out and try it myself.

Frank

Iodophor is no rinse....

----------->Denny

-- Life begins at 60...1.060, that is.

Star san only has to get wet and wait a total of a minute plus the foaming action guarantees ease of cleaning in hard to clean objects (racking canes and other equipment) since they dont have to remain in solution for sanitation. In addition, star san will leave a small film that will continue to sanitize after its dry. You wouldnt want a foaming agent in bleach or idophoro and you must wait until it drys until you can use it.

In terms of effectiveness of sanitation (efficacy), it goes bleach, star san, iodophor. Bleach and star san will attack the cell walls while iodophor must penetrate the cell walls and membranes to work.

Safety, i wouldnt want to drink bleach or iodophor, but rumor has it that the guy that made star san drank a trough of it at one of the competitions/fair to show how safe it was. you must let bleach and iodophor dry, i dont wait for san star to dry before i use the equipment/bottles/kegs.

Don't drink the Star San.

Star San is an acid based sanitizer, as a LHBS we have to pay hazardous shipping charges when we buy this product. The warnings on the product take up most of the label. It is a great product when used in accordance with the directions.

mrgrumpy

"Joe [MCAD]" wrote:

Listen to the latest issue of the BN sunday show when they have the chemist who created the stuff, Charlie. He acknowledges that he has drank the stuff and explains why its far safer than these other cleaning options.

Nothing, bleach is ideal & water is low cost. Pete

Personally I would NEVER use bleach. Besides having to rinse, you always risk ruining a good beer with that nasty nasty taste.

IMHO nothing beats a no rinse Idophor solution...